firefighters lauded at awards eremonyfiles.constantcontact.com/9f4765ad401/99d888a0-afa... ·...

VENICE CITY E-NEWS January 2017

Happy New Year!

A PUBLICATION FOR THE CITIZENS OF VENICE, FL

MAYOR

John Holic

VICE MAYOR

Rich Cautero

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Deborah Anderson

Bob Daniels

Fred Fraize

Jeanette Gates

Kit McKeon

www.venicegov.com

CHARTER OFFICERS

City Manager Ed Lavallee

City Clerk Lori Stelzer

City Attorney David Persson

The Venice Fire Department applaud-ed its finest on Dec. 9 with the Fire Res-cue 2016 Awards Ceremony, held at the Venice Community Center. In addition to Firefighter, EMT and Officer of the Year Awards, staff mem-bers also received Outstanding Service honors and were given Company Cita-tions. Winners of the Firefighter, EMT and Officer of the Year Awards are first nominated by their peers, then voted on by a panel of their colleagues, ac-cording to Fire Chief Shawn Carvey. Carvey said following the ceremony that it’s important for the depart-ment’s firefighters to be commended for their hard work and dedication. It’s also a morale booster, he said. “When you look at firefighters – and I’m sure it’s the same with police offic-ers – when you look at recommending them for awards, like for an extrication, they always go, ‘That’s my job,’” the chief said. “What these guys do is above and beyond, and they should be recognized for that.” Sean Conner received the department’s Firefighter of the Year Award. He has worked for the city since November 2013. Carvey said Conner’s dedication to training – both getting it and imparting it on his fellow firefighters – is exceptional. Conner completed 250 hours of Urban Search and Rescue training and received four different state certifications.

Continued on page 4

Firefighters lauded at Awards Ceremony

Venice City E-News January 2017


Firefighters, continued from page 1

“Then he brought the training back,” the chief said. “He’s trying to always train his fellow firefighters, and train out in the com-munity. He’s always a star in the group he’s in. Given the relative short amount of time Conner has been with the city, his drive and enthusiasm for training is commendable, Carvey said, adding, “He’s going to be very successful.” EMT of the Year honors went to Ryan Behling, who Carvey de-scribed as “very knowledgeable, very thorough.” Behling has been with the city since June 2004. “He’s the type of person who is always on the bay floor training or fixing something to make the crew respond better,” Carvey said. “He’s dedicated to his crews and the community. He’s also the first to work with a new person and show them the ins and outs.” Battalion Chief Joe Silva, a 20-year city employee, was the re-cipient of Officer of the Year. The chief said Silva “quietly works behind the scenes,” improving Fire Rescue’s community outreach and reporting software. The Fire Department improved its ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating this year from a 3 to a 2, which can ultimately help lower insurance premiums in the city. This evaluation is com-pleted every five years. Historically, Venice Fire has been scored at a 3, which by national and state guidelines is above the standard. On Oct. 24, Mayor John Holic was sent a letter by ISO notifying him that Venice Fire Rescue had improved its rating to a 2. To put that into perspective, out of the 47,696 fire departments throughout the nation that are evaluated, only 1,408 have a score of 2 or higher. “Our department took a huge step forward this year,” Carvey said, “and Joe was a big part of that.” Silva has been with the city since September 1996. Additionally, awards for Outstanding Service were given to Tyler Eaton, Tammy Short, Chad Meyers, Dan Sremba, Kyle Hartley, Derek Lowery and Dan Armstrong. Company Citations for incidents including boat rescues, a vehicle extrication, and actions during Tropical Storm Hermine went to Lowery, Silva, Matt Tomer, Chris Ripo, Brett Wasser-man, Justin Cammarata, Jeremy Dowd, Justin Cochara, Eric Putnal, Joe Johnson, Steve McNutt and Mark Devine, as well as to Venice Police Capt. Mike Rose and Marine Patrol Officer Paul Joyce for a boat rescue in September.

Above, Firefighter of the Year Sean Conner accepts his award

from Chief Shawn Carvey. Below, Battalion Chief Joe Silva is

named Officer of the Year.


Cameron Hamley, a student at Venice

Elementary School, knows what the holi-

day season is all about — giving. While

most children her age were focused on

what gifts Santa would be bringing, Cam-

eron set her sights on helping others who

are less fortunate.

The fifth-grader collected over 100

bottles of water, 100 cans of tuna and

chicken, 100 juice boxes, 150 peanut

butter and cracker packs, 100-plus tooth-

brushes, 144 travel toothpastes, Band-

Aids, soap, shampoo, new mittens and

socks, hand wipes and hand sanitizer.

She began the project over four weeks

ago for a fifth-grade class project self-

study. Cameron wrote a letter to family

and friends asking for donations in lieu of

large Christmas presents and also asked

her mom and dad to pass along her re-

quest at their places of work. Cameron’s

mother, Allison Hamley, is a teacher at

Venice Elementary, where most of the

goods were collected. Cameron was recog-

nized by a Facebook Humanitarian group

titled #NextLevelLiving.

She brought 30-plus bags to the Salva-

tion Army in Sarasota Dec. 21, distributed

many to homeless on streets along the

way, and gave the remaining 20 bags to

the Venice Police Department for distribu-

tion with the help of their officers and

guidance by Chief Tom Mattmuller, pic-

tured with Cameron at top left.

Cameron hand-decorated every bag with

a message of HOPE — Helping Others

Peace Everywhere. The City of Venice is

very proud of you, Cameron!

Local student shows true spirit of the season


A DAY OF GIVING FOR VPD

Saturday, Dec. 17 was a day filled with giving for the Venice Police Department. VPD was able to provide 32 families in need with toys for the holiday season as well as baskets of food. VPD would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who made this wonderful holiday program possible. The department is beyond proud to be a part of such a wonderful community that can come together to help others in need. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Donald Lackey, who pro-vided hundreds of toys for the program; Big Toys of Venice for the donation that helped VPD provide each family with boxes of food; and Publix for helping the department obtain all the items needed for the food baskets.


VES fifth-grader wins City Holiday Card Contest

At left, City Manager Ed Lavallee presents the winning artist of the city's annual Holiday Card Contest at Venice Elementary, fifth-grader Aleyda Fowler, with the completed card on Dec. 8 at the school, during VES's morning news program. Aleyda is also pictured at bottom left with VES Principal Erin del Cas-tillo. “I really like it,” the 10-year-old said of the finished card. Aleyda, who has two younger sis-ters, Faith, 3, and Norah, 1, wants to be an art teacher, according to her mom, Megan Grant — perhaps following in the footsteps of VES art teacher Barbara Sirpilla.


CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Thousands of spectators lined the Intracoastal Waterway Dec.

3 to watch the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Boy Scout

Troop 1001’s entry, “Kats Meow,” below, won Best in Show

and the Viewers Choice Award.


IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Venice Mayor John Holic is sworn in for a third term Nov. 30 by City Clerk Lori Stelzer

as his wife Pam looks on.

Stelzer swears in Council Member Bob Daniels for a third term with his wife

Nancy by his side.

Council member

Jeanette Gates is

sworn in by Stelzer

for a third term as

Gates’ daughter

Jackie looks on.

Council Member

Rich Cautero was

voted Vice Mayor

for 2017 on Nov.

30 by the board.


IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

At left, Venice police officers

Sgt. Mathew Sauchinitz, left,

and Lt. Troy Crepeau, right,

pictured with Police Chief Tom

Mattmuller, were promoted

and sworn in by Mayor John

Holic during the Dec. 13 City

Council meeting. They are pic-

tured in Council chambers with

Holic and their families, above.

Maj. Marion Durham from the Salvation Army, on behalf of the Circuit 12

Human Trafficking Coalition, holds a proclamation naming the month of Jan-

uary 2017 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, presented to her Dec. 13

by Mayor John Holic.

Sarasota County Library officials gave interested residents an update Dec. 8 of plans for Venice's permanent library, a 24,000-square-foot building that would be constructed on the site of the old library near the Venice Community Center and Art Center. Plans feature 125 parking spaces, new driveway access off Nokomis Avenue, a drive-thru book drop, a lobby cafe/vending area with coffee, a large conference/multipurpose room that could hold up to 130 people and a smaller meeting room for 10-15, a secure outdoor play area for kids off the children's collection, and three group study rooms. Construction is estimated to start in the fall of 2017 and be completed by fall 2018. After the Dec. 8 presentation at the Community Center, residents could view plans up close and offer additional input. Venice’s temporary library is housed in the Ham-ilton building behind Venice Theatre.


Residents get library update

Venice’s perma-nent library is the

orange building in county library plans, above. At

right, Sarabeth Kalajian, director

of Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Re-sources, speaks with residents.


Venice circus car project back on track The Venice Area Historical Society (VAHS) has purchased the Louisville & Nashville Short Leaf Pine, a railroad car that once belonged to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The car had its last brake check in Venice in 1993. VAHS has also signed a contract with Bob Dills, owner of the Uni-Glide Trailer Company in Venice, to refurbish and reconfigure the car. When completed sometime in 2017, the car

will be placed on the existing rails on the campus of the Historic Venice Train Depot and donated to Sarasota County. Interior exhibits will illustrate the liv-ing quarters of circus performers and describe the historic relationships among the circus, the railroad and the Venice community. VAHS will offer tours of the car to the public. A key advantage of working with Uni-Glide is that the car will be refurbished in Venice at a local business on Seaboard Avenue, potentially allowing the public to see the car before, during, and after the work. "When Uni-Glide suggested working on the car in Venice, we were delight-ed" said VAHS president Carolyn Redlin. "I can't think of a better place to complete the project than in Venice, on Seaboard Avenue," said project chairman George Miller. One hundred sixty donors provided financial support for purchasing, mov-ing and refurbishing the car; adding electrical service to the Depot campus; and constructing a walkway between the car and the deck behind the ex-isting caboose. Donors include individuals, nonprofit organizations, business-es and foundations (the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation at the Community Foundation of Sarasota, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Deupree Family Foundation, the Tom E. Dailey Foundation and the Jelks Family Foun-dation). Donations ranged from $5 to $72,000. Contributions to enhance the interior exhibit budget may be sent to: VAHS Circus Train Car Project, Caldwell Trust Company, 1400 Center Road, Venice, FL 34293.

The railroad car set to be

refurbished by the Venice

Area Historical Society is

pictured in its current

condition, above; and in

better days in the photo

at left provided by FOX

13.


November marked the successful completion of a joint project between Utilities and Engineering to improve drainage and reduce standing water at the Wellfield booster station. The booster station is just north of Lucaya Avenue, south of the soccer fields to the north, and north of the baseball fields. Areas around the city’s booster station have experienced flooding and periods of prolonged standing water. Engineering teamed with Utilities and de-signed a project in-house to improve the drainage. The project went out to bid and was awarded to low bidder DeJonge Excavating Contractors Inc. The total final project cost was $62,179, which included redoing a driveway, multiple drainage structures and pipes, and sod. The project started in late October and concluded in November. The city monitored the construction of the project and is pleased with the outcome, expecting won-derful results after future rains.

Drainage improved at Wellfield booster station

BEFORE

AFTER


Lights on for the holidays at Arboretum

The annual Venice Area Beautification Holiday Tree Lighting was held

Dec. 10 at the Monty Andrews Arboretum at West Blalock Park. The

event featured live music, a visit from Santa, crafts for the kids and

voting for your favorite tree from about 80 in the park decorated by lo-

cal organizations. The winner, “Grandpa’s Lake,” pictured below, in-

cludes a fisherman made out of PVC. The creators are Chad Holmes and

Concetta Hollinger-Holmes, sister-in-law to Ali Hinshaw and her husband

Trevor Hollinger, who also worked hard on this tree dedicated to his fa-

ther. At left, Mayor John Holic counts down the tree lighting as the Jolly

Old Elf himself looks on.

An open house was also held at the same time across the street at the

Venice Museum and Archives in the Triangle Inn.

See more photos, page 10


ARBORETUM TREE LIGHTING

Holiday lights at the

Monty Andrews Arbore-

tum in West Blalock

Park, located across

from the Venice Muse-

um & Archives at left,

are available for free

public viewing nightly

through Jan. 1, dusk to

10 p.m.

Venice City E-News November 2016 Venice City E-News January 2017

County to resurface roads on Venice Island Beginning Jan. 3 and lasting for 60 days, Sara-sota County will be resurfacing multiple road-ways on the Island of Venice. The list of roadways is shown below, and indi-vidual notices will be placed on resident’s prop-erties prior to the start of each road section. Each street will take approximately 2 days to complete. The contractor is aware of the sensi-tive nature of paving during season. The City will also have an inspector keeping an eye on the project. All efforts to minimize impact will be taken. If you have any questions regarding the pro-ject, please contact the County Project Manag-er, Art Powell, at 941-861-0533. Once the re-surfacing is completed and the work is accepted by the City of Venice, these roadways will be

transferred to City ownership and control, with the exception of Avenida del Circo and Airport Ave./Beach Road east of S. Harbor Drive, which will remain county owned and maintained roads. Resurfacing List: BAYSHORE CIRCLE PARK LANE DR. PARKSIDE DR. BEACH RD. SUNSET DR. RIVIERA ST. PINE RD. AVENIDA DEL CIRCO BEACH RD. AIRPORT AVE. BAYSHORE CIRCLE

PARK LANE DR. PARKSIDE DR. EVERGLADES DR. GOLDEN BEACH BLVD. CIRCLE DR. SHORE RD. GULF DR. SHORT RD. HIBISCUS DR. SPADARO DR. BAYNARD DR. DARLING DR. MAHON DR. PARK DALE DR. BAYCREST DR. BAYSIDE DR. PINE GROVE DR. GOLF DR.

The City of Venice reminds citizens of the ongoing program that allows the public to return unused medications/prescriptions into a controlled collection system. In doing so, the medications are destroyed without be-ing deposited into our landfills or water system, substantially reducing any potential environmental damage and the chance of the meds becom-ing a health hazard. Safe disposal of these medications also decreases access to addictive drugs for accidental or intentional misuse. A drop box for controlled substances, expired prescriptions and over-

the-counter medications (pills only; no needles or liquids) is available in the lobby of the Venice Police station at the intersection of Capri Isles Blvd. and Ridgewood Ave. (1350 E. Ridgewood Ave.), adjacent to Wellfield Park, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A more detailed description of the program is available on VPD’s webpage at www.venicegov.com. Click on Departments at the top of the homepage, select Police, then Community Programs on the left, and then Rx Take-Back Program. For more information, call 941-486-2444.

Prescription drug ‘take-back’ program at VPD

http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.venicegov.com%2F&h=pAQEr50SUAQH5SrzrLTM4BMJmYbZLX5Jthfqsn4dn8YIB2A&enc=AZN5aE9QZ7O09C58nxogI7lQMDP2DBcCeS1mVYNEoCKFMbYHk6XRZ5pMQ7La9DyWRi3SdDiIWdftOhC6LxGtv0B1rHwrHROiosJ2rxwCC6oQrKRcGNX1bPVByn-lfO_-kEPfKD6NlYKc-


A historic moment occurred Dec. 15 when Dennis Lord Hardy, right, and his wife, Melodie, were provided a tour of the Lord-Higel House by Mickey Higel, left, one of the Venice Heritage volunteers restoring the residence behind City Hall. Hardy is the great-nephew of Joseph H. Lord, who had the house built in Venice in 1896. Higel is the grand-nephew of George Higel, who managed Lord’s orange grove and lived in the house from 1910 until 1919. It was the first time in about a century that a Lord and Higel had stood in the house together. The Hardys still live a portion of each year in the Lord family ancestral home of Wells, Maine. The Lord-Higel House is the second oldest house in Sarasota County. Once completely restored, the first floor will serve as an early settler museum and welcome center.

Lord meets Higel

Volunteers decorated a Christmas tree at the Lord-

Higel House on Dec. 2. At left is Tina Bird, president of

the Venice Area Garden Club, who provided Venice

Heritage with the decora-tions; Larry Humes with Ven-ice Heritage; Mickey Higel, a

retired engineer who grew up in the area and is the

grand-nephew of George Higel, for whom the house is

partially named; and Gary Youngberg, whose grandfa-ther, George Youngberg Sr.

was the engineer who super-vised the construction of

Venice 90 years ago. He later served as mayor of Venice

(1952-1954) and as a mem-ber of the Florida Legislature

(1954-1958).


Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 — have you signed up for CodeRED yet?

The City of Venice uses CodeRED to send emergency notifications by phone, email, text and

social media to keep citizens informed of emergencies such as evacuation notices, utility outag-

es, water main breaks, fire or floods, chemical spills, or other emergency situations.

The city also uses CodeRED Weather Warning, a unique service that automatically notifies citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warn-

ing has been issued by the National Weather Service. The CodeRED Weather Warning is available to city residents at no cost.

The city may also activate CodeRED to send general notifications to registered subscribers to communicate non-life safety matters, such as planned road

closures, water main repairs, and water and power service interruptions. By selecting the box for general alerts, you will also receive these types of notifica-

tions. Registering for CodeRED is quick and easy:

Sign up for CodeRED online at www.venicegov.com/Disaster_Links/code_red.asp. Add the following numbers to your caller ID: 866-419-5000, Emergency

Calls; 855-969-4636, General Calls; and 800-566-9780, Weather Warnings.

Things to know about CodeRed

CodeRED delivers notifications by phone calls to landlines and cell phones, emails, texts, social media, and/or mobile alerts.

CodeRED is compatible with TDD/TTY devices for those with hearing impairments.

Individuals and businesses may add as many phone numbers, emails and text numbers as desired.

Residents and visitors alike can receive enhanced public safety alerts no matter where you are located via the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, a free public safety

app for both Android and iPhone users. The CodeRED Mobile Alert app delivers community and emergency alerts to individuals targeted within an impacted

geographical area so that you may also receive timely notifications when you’re on the road, or away from home.

If you are currently a CodeRED subscriber who has already registered your mobile phone to receive notifications from the City of Venice, you will continue to

receive calls. However, if you download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app, you will also receive alerts via your smartphone anywhere in the country, including

Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska. To download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app, visit the Google Play or iTunes store.

For more information about the CodeRED service, or to sign up by phone, call 941-882-7401.

Stay informed! Sign up for CodeRED

https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/5E3BAFCA9779

http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/home/showdocument?id=6933

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ecnetwork.crma&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY25ldHdvcmsuY3JtYSJd

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/codered-mobile-alert/id468404991?ls=1&mt=8

Diver donates rare bones to VMA

Randy Boshela, pictured above, is a diver and fossil authority who is very good to the Venice Museum & Archives. Over the years he has donated many fossilized bones and teeth to the VMA. His latest mu-seum donations are rare finds — at left, a portion of a whale mandi-ble (jaw) 10-20 million years old (mandibles can be in excess of 6 feet long); and at right, a portion of a giant sloth forearm, 1-1.5 million years old. Boshela found both bones off Venice Beach during dives in the 1980s. The museum and community thank you, Randy!


Three Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies recently

accompanied the Venice Middle Young Marines on a trip

to Hawaii in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Japanese

attack on Pearl Harbor, according to a release from the

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Venice Middle School Resource Deputy Phillip Mockler

and deputies Christopher Hudson and David Clark made

the trip to Hawaii with more than 50 local students. The

group toured the USS Arizona memorial, learned about

the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor and even

had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with survivor Col.

Ken Sweet. Deputies and students also witnessed a mov-

ing ceremony honoring those who lost their lives on Dec.

7, 1941.

"This was a very unique and humbling opportunity for

these deputies to connect with students on another level," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "We are proud

to support groups such as the Venice Young Marines, who teach discipline, respect and the im-

portance of serving community and country."

The Venice Middle Young Marines program, whose mission is to keep its members focused on pos-

itive, life-enhancing choices, fundraised for months to earn their trip to Hawaii. In March 2016, using

funds from seized and recovered cash, the Sheriff's Office presented a check for $6,000 to the pro-

gram's coordinator, Maj. Michael Dubrule.

"To say the trip made an impact would be an understatement," said Deputy Phillip Mockler. "It

was moving to visit the same places my grandfather visited before he went to the Pacific to fight in

World War II. Beyond that, to witness this experience through the eyes of young people was one of

the most powerful things I've ever been a part of."

To learn more about the program and its mission, visit www.venicemiddleyoungmarines.com.


Venice Young Marines visit Pearl Harbor

http://www.venicemiddleyoungmarines.com/


AROUND TOWN

The first skydiving jumps at Venice Airport were held Saturday, Dec.

17 with Skydive Venice Beach. The new business operates out of

Venice Florida Flight Training Center. Thrill-seekers tandem-jumped

10,000 feet over Venice at a cost of $200.

Santa and Mrs. Claus hit Venice Avenue and rode on

“Old Betsy,” the city’s historic 1926 LaFrance fire-

truck, during the annual Downtown Christmas Walk

Dec. 1.

Staff at the Venice Police

Department sure do love

sweets! Thank you to Ella,

pictured here with VPD’s

“Officer Elfred” on Dec. 22,

for the beautifully wrapped

and extremely delicious

treats behind her!

Photos courtesy of Venice MainStreet


AROUND TOWN

The Venice Police

Department had a

fun-filled visit from

the Mom's Club of

Venice on Dec. 19.

The moms and chil-

dren, pictured here

with Capt. Mike Rose,

were ecstatic to see

officers and to have

the chance to learn

more about the in-

nerworkings of the

Police Department.

A City Council Parks

Master Plan workshop

saw a good turnout at

the Venice Community

Center on Dec. 12.

The Salvation Army invited the Venice Police Department

to lend a hand with its Angel Tree Program this Christmas

season. The tree at VPD was decorated with 50 Angel

name tags in hopes that every Angel would be taken. With

the help of our wonderful community and staff at the Po-

lice Department, all 50 Angels were able to get their

wished-for gifts. Thank you to all who joined in the spirit of

giving!


AROUND TOWN

Members from the Venice Firefighters Benevolent Fund were out

in the community this holiday season assisting families in need.

The nonprofit fund sponsored two children in the Angel Tree pro-

gram at the Salvation Army. The children’s wish list was complete-

ly filled by the firefighters, who purchased items including a Kindle,

telescope, clothes and toys. In the photo above, Venice firefighter

Chad Meyers gives gifts to Captain Scott Hoover of the Salvation

Army. Firefighters also paid a visit to Venice Elementary School,

where gift cards were provided to four additional families to assist

them with their holiday expenses. Board president Derek Lowery

said the charitable contributions are an annual event for firefight-

ers who want to ensure everyone has a special holiday season.

The city’s monthly 6-mile bicycle ride, open to the public, was held

Dec. 14 from City Hall. Rides are led by city Bicycle Pedestrian Co-

ordinator Darlene Culpepper, pictured above in yellow. The next

ride is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 11. Participants must have their own bike

and wear a helmet.


AROUND TOWN

A groundbreaking was held the morning of Dec. 6 at the Venice Art Center to celebrate the

start of the VAC’s capital campaign for its expansion. The Art Center will be adding two new

classrooms to its campus at 690 Nokomis Ave., and replacing the roof.

At right, Public Works finished

installing the new playground

at Chuck Reiter Park.

At left, 32-year

Venice resident

Greg Roberts

donates blood

Dec. 14 on One-

blood's Big Red

Bus during a drive

at City Hall.


AROUND TOWN

BEFORE

AFTER

A few neighbors on El Dorado Drive paid for and installed a nice island beau-tification project in the 700 block recently, pictured at left and below. The residents had to get ap-proval since it is on a city right of way. Residents will maintain the landscaping as well.

Team Keep Venice Beautiful was one of many participants in this year's Holiday Parade Nov. 26. Their float (above), piled high with Bra-zilian pepper, illustrated one of the many invasive plants they remove weekly from area parks and created a little playground for Rudolph, poking his head above the brush. Team KVB members (below) walked alongside the float, carrying lighted work tools — rakes, loppers and pruners. The flashy KVB signs were designed and printed by John Hin-shaw, VABI board member and owner of H&H Signs.


Residential Utilities customers and the backflow program

Beginning in the summer of 2015, letters were sent on a monthly basis over 12 months to all City of Venice water customers, notifying them that changes in requirements by the state of Florida resulted in the city Utilities Department amending the backflow program. The information outlined what determined the requirement for a property to either have an assembly, possibly change the type, or no longer require one.

In many cases, these new rules lessened what was required of residential properties. If you don’t use drinking water or surface water for irrigation you likely are not required to have an above-ground backflow prevention assembly. You can meet the new requirements with a below-ground assembly if you use well or reclaimed water for irrigation. If you do not use an irrigation system, you probably are not required to have any backflow prevention.

If you have an existing above-ground assembly and your property qualifies for an underground, before you call to price and schedule a test, here are some things to think about:

Above-ground assemblies require a test and passing report submittal every other year.

Replacement parts or repairs may be needed at the time of or between the required testing.

This type assembly is more vulnerable to damage by lawn equipment, vehicles and vandals.

Replacement of an above-ground device with a below-ground assembly may improve the appearance of your property.

You may want to consider the cost savings of replacing that above-ground assembly now with a dual check that only requires replacement or possibly only refurbishment every 10 years.

Before you make any purchase, be sure to verify the type of assembly required for your property with Utilities staff.

Testing requirements: There are different requirements specific to residential.

Reduced pressure backflow preventers (RP-BFP) currently require an inspection every other year; these assemblies are installed above ground, downstream of the meter box.

Dual check; backflow assemblies (DuC-BFP) do not require testing, but are required to be refurbished or replaced no less than once every 10 years; reminder postcards will be sent.

Tips to prevent costly backups: Municipalities, home and business owners are at risk; trash in toilets is a high cost to everyone.

1. If it is not toilet paper, it does not go with the flow and should not be flushed. 2. Place a waste bin in the bathroom, preferably near the toilet, so nobody's tempted to flush other items. 3. Inform your children and house guests. 4. Make it a topic of awareness at a neighborhood association or other community meeting. 5. Grease and "flushable wipes" are the No. 1 problem; however, there are many other items being flushed — so remember, if it is not human waste or toi-

let paper, it is trash, so do not flush. See the full article at www.venicegov.com on the Utilities Department page.

Backflow program required testing reminder The city began the backflow prevention program sending notification letters to owners of properties that required a backflow device, had an option to down-

grade their current device, or no longer required a device. Priority was focused on non-residential properties that did not have a backflow device or a current certification for testing their existing assembly. The same was done for residential properties with exception of the test certifications. Moving into the next phase of the program includes staff addressing the following requirements:

Non-residential - All properties require a reduced pressure backflow assembly (RP-BFP)

RP-BFP assemblies are required to be tested annually; reminder post cards are now being sent on a monthly basis.

Double-check assemblies were allowed to remain in place until the initial 12-month period ended. These property owners will be receiving letters requiring the installation of a reduced pressure backflow assembly.

Residential - The level of property hazard determines if a backflow device is required and what type.

Testing reminders for residential properties will begin to be sent in the near future, on a monthly basis. Letters are being sent to property owners who have not complied with the backflow prevention program

requirements within the initial 12-month period.

Residential testing requirements - There are different requirements specific to residential.

Reduced pressure backflow assemblies currently require an inspection every other year. Dual check backflow assemblies (DuC-BFP) do not require testing, but are required to be refurbished or replaced

no less than once every 10 years.

General requirements that determine the type of BFP required for Residential Customers are below:

Potable water used for irrigation requires a Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Assembly (RP-BFP). Surface water used for irrigation requires a RP-BFP. Well water used for irrigation requires a Dual Check Backflow Preventer Assembly (DuC-BFP). Reclaimed water directly from the City's reuse main lines used for irritation requires a DuC-BFP. None of the above means no BFP is required.

There are minor exceptions to these requirements. The above covers the vast majority of our customers.

Visit our website page at http://venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Utilities/backflow.asp for residential backflow frequently asked questions, and to view the Cross-Connection Control Program Manual.

If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please contact Utilities Technical Unit Supervisor, Michael Catalano, at 941-480-3333, ext. 7311.

Above, a reduced pressure assembly (RP-BFP) is installed above ground, downstream of me-ter box. Below, a dual check (DuC-BFP) is in-stalled underground, typically in a meter box.


http://venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Utilities/backflow.asp


Report city issues on the go with SeeClickFix

Reporting a concern in Venice is now just a few clicks away.

The city has partnered with SeeClickFix to create a new platform called Venice Connect that will allow citizens to report quality-of-life issues (such as pot-

holes, roadside junk and tall grass) and request city services. About 180 issues have been logged since the system was launched Aug. 31.

With free SeeClickFix mobile app and web tools, citizens are now be able to provide city staff with pic-

tures, videos, specific descriptions, and more — valuable information needed to get the job done effi-

ciently. In addition, the SeeClickFix platform provides city officials with a centralized issue management

system to manage issues from creation to resolution, engaging citizens throughout the process.

SeeClickFix Venice Connect is available as an app for Android and iPhone. Select SeeClickFix from your app store on your device and choose Venice, Florida.

There is also a link to the program on the city’s website, www.venicegov.com, or go directly to SeeClickFix at http://www.seeclickfix.com/venice.

Use SeeClickFix to request assistance with City of Venice services or report problems, such as potholes, roadside junk, broken sidewalks, stormdrain issues,

traffic signal/sign problems, code violations, etc. Venice Connect will acknowledge newly submitted issues and forward them to the appropriate departments

to take care of the requests. Users will receive email updates and can come back here to check the status of submitted issues. When the issue is resolved, the

issue can be closed. Separate issues should be submitted as separate SeeClickFix reports. Note: Please make sure that the address you are providing is the lo-

cation of the issue being reported.

For more information on using the program, call 941-882-7401. Law enforcement issues of an emergency nature need to be reported directly to the Venice

Police Department by calling 911. VPD’s non-emergency number is 941-486-2444. After-hours Utilities emergencies can be reported at 941-486-2770.

Connect to government bid opportunities

Onvia DemandStar streamlines the local government procurement process by allowing agencies to manage the bid/proposal process electronically. Local business vendors can review the City of Venice's current solicitations by signing up on DemandStar's website, www.demandstar.com. The site will automatically notify vendors of bids and Requests For Proposals (RFPs) via email. Bid and RFP documents and specs are distributed online. With DemandStar, you can:

. Be automatically notified of new government contracting opportunities that match your business. . Select the agencies from which you wish to receive leads. . Find out which competitors are also responding to bids and RFPs. DemandStar can also be called for more information toll-free at 800-331-5337.

http://www.demandstar.com


The following individuals have been appointed or reappointed to

serve on city boards, commissions, committees and task forces:

Verna Silk to the Citizen Tax Oversight Committee, to serve a

term from Dec. 13, 2016, until Nov. 30, 2020.

John Collier to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Ap-

peals, to serve a term from Dec. 13, 2016, until Nov. 30, 2019.

Mary Moscatelli to the Public Art Advisory Board, to serve a

term from Dec. 13, 2016, until Nov. 30, 2019.

Greg Novack to the Architectural Review Board, to serve a term

from Dec. 13, 2016, until Nov. 30, 2019.

AT YOUR SERVICE


Venice Performing Arts Center 1 Indian Ave. 941-480-3191

www.veniceperformingartscenter.com

“Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute” Jan. 7

Smetana-De Falla-Beethoven Venice Symphony

Jan. 13-14

“Brass Transit: A Tribute to Chicago” Jan. 15

“Great Guitars of Jazz” Jan. 19

“A Tribute to Journey” Jan. 20

“Toronto All-Star Big Band” Jan. 21-22

“Glenn Miller Orchestra” Jan. 28

“Winter Concert” Venice Concert Band

Jan. 30

Venice Art Center 390 Nokomis Ave. S.

941-485-7136 www.veniceartcenter.com

“Julia Hyman & Linda Larisch Together Again”

Dec. 16-Jan. 13

“Out of Place — Unusual Things in Ordinary

Spaces”

Jan.20-Feb. 10

“Bling Thing Jewelry Show and Sale”

Jan. 28

“Fine Arts Show and Sale”

Feb. 18-19

“Members Show: In the Style of Art Inspired

by Your Favorite Artist”

March 3-31

Venice Theatre 140 Tampa Ave. W.

941-488-1115 www.venicestage.com

“Sister Act” Jan. 10-Feb. 5

“The Capitol Steps” Jan. 15-16

“Frost/Nixon” Jan. 19-Feb. 11

“America’s Diamond Live” Jan. 22-23

“Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver” Jan. 29-30

“Harry James/Andrews Sisters Tribute” Feb. 6

“Assisted Living: The Musical” Feb. 17-March 19

“Crazy For You” Feb. 21-March 19


COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

RED TIDE INFO: Red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic algae that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s. Blooms, or higher-than-normal concentrations, of the Florida red tide alga, Karenia brevis, frequently occur in the Gulf of Mexico in late summer or early fall and can cause fish kills and respiratory irritation in humans. Red tide begins in the Gulf of Mexico 10 to 40 miles offshore and can be transported inshore by winds and cur-rents. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posts red tide status reports on Wednesdays and Fridays. To view this report and to track red tide blooms, visit MyFWC.com/RedTide.


COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Venice City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, for the ob-servance of the New Year’s Day holiday. City Hall will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. In the event of Utilities service emergencies like a water line break, residents can call 941-486-2770. This line is designated for emergencies only. Garbage, yard waste and recyclables will be collected as usual. Residents are reminded to have their items to the curb by 7 a.m. To dispose of live Christmas trees, cut into 4-foot pieces and place at the curb with weekly yard waste collection.

City Hall closed for New Year’s

WATER RULES City of Venice residents are permitted to irrigate lawns one day per week: Even addresses on Tuesdays Odd addresses on Thursdays Before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. for properties under 2 acres. For properties 2 acres or greater, watering is al-lowed before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Hand watering hot spots and micro-irrigation of other plants is allowed on any day, at any time. New and replaced lawns get a 60-day exemption. Irriga-tion can occur any time of day on the day of installation, and during the restricted hours on any day thereafter for up to 60 days. There are no restrictions on car washing, pressure wash-ing, use of fountains or use of reuse or reclaimed water. A shut-off nozzle on hoses should be used for car washing and hand watering of garden plants. Conservation is encour-aged.

Follow city meetings To access meeting agendas, visit www.venicegov.com. On the left of this page, click on Meetings, find the meeting you want to view, look to the right of it and click on Agenda, click open and view. To watch City meetings, instead of clicking on Agenda, click on Video or “In pro-gress.” They are also rebroadcast the week after the meeting on Access 19 (Comcast Channel 19; Verizon/Frontier Channel 32). For broadcast times, go to www.scgov.net/Calendar/Pages/default.aspx and click on Access Sarasota Television.


Area parks get even more dog friendly Fido and Fluffy have some new hangout spots. Sarasota County Commissioners on Dec. 13 approved a resolution designating 71 Sara-sota County parks and preserves in north and south county as "dog friendly." These are sites where dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. Designation of sites is necessary as Sarasota County Code prohibits dogs, cats and other pets in county-owned parks but allows for areas to be specifically designated for activities involving animals such as dogs. In the Venice area, dog-friendly areas include Curry Creek Pre-serve, Patriots Park, the Legacy Trail and Venetian Waterway Park. In addition, dogs can be off-leash at Brohard Beach Paw Park in Ven-ice, 1600 Harbor Drive South. The need for additional dog parks and dog-friendly parks was identified in the county's 2016 Parks, Preserves and Recreation Strategic Master Plan. The initial sites designated as dog-friendly in 2012 have been popular and are regularly used by park visitors with their dogs. The following guidelines will continue to apply in those areas designated as dog friend-ly: * All dogs must be kept on a hand-held, 6-foot maximum leash, and under the physical control of a person at all times. * It is the responsibility of each dog owner to bring appropriate pet waste bags and im-mediately pick up and properly dispose of waste. * Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, athletic fields or other areas not designated for dogs on leash. The dog-friendly designation takes effect Jan. 1. For more information and a list of the county's dog-friendly park locations, including those in and near Venice, visit https://www.scgov.net/parks/Pages/DogsInParks.aspx and click on “Full list of dog-friendly parks and preserves” near the bottom of the right column on the page.

https://www.scgov.net/parks/Pages/DogsInParks.aspx

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